This tiny mechanical keyboard might convince you to ditch your big one

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Most of the keyboards you’ve ever seen are traditional 104-key “full-sized” boards. They have a full function row, arrow keys, and a number pad. In the last few years, smaller enthusiast mechanical keyboards have been getting more popular, and not just the ones that drop the number pad. So-called 60% boards are now widely available, and keyboard maker WASD now has its own offering in this category.

The WASD Code 61-key came out a few weeks ago, and I’ve been doing most of my work on one to see how it handles. If you’re thinking about getting a smaller, more efficient keyboard, this might be the one.

Little keyboard, big features

Let’s get this out of the way first — the Code 61 is not an entirely unique design. The hardware was built by a company called Vortex under the Code branding from WASD. Vortex makes the Poker 3 mechanical keyboard, which is basically what the Code 61 is. That’s not a bad thing, though. I love my Poker 3, and the Code 61 is every bit as good, just with a different label on the bottom. We haven’t had an opportunity to talk much about the Poker 3, so consider this a chance to familiarize yourself with both boards.

The Code 61 is solid both physically and when it comes to features. Like the Poker 3, the Code 61 has an aluminum case, something you don’t usually see on boards in this price range. It feels nigh indestructible. On the bottom are several dip switches that can be toggled to change layouts, turn caps lock into a function key, and so on. The Code 61 is a partially programmable keyboard with three customizable layers. This is all handled on the board itself, so programming the layers is confusing at first. On the upside, since there’s no desktop software, the board can be moved between computers easily.

If you’re not familiar with 60% boards, you’re probably wondering how you can access all the other functions. The Code 61 has a standard function layer accessed by hitting the Fn button. That’s where your arrows, PG up/down, delete, insert, and other keys are. There are legends on the side of the stock keycaps to remind you what everything does when Fn is depressed.

Code 61 with replacement keycaps.

Once you’ve learned the functions, you should give thought to replacing the stock caps. They’re made of black ABS plastic with shine-through legends for the white LED backlighting. They’re rather thin and slippery, but similar to what you get on many keyboards under $200. All the keys on the Code 61 are standard sizes, so any keyset will fit. Some 60% keysets are cheaper than you’d expect too (fewer keys). It would be nice if WASD allowed you to include customized ABS keys with the Code as it does on the WASD-branded boards.

The Code 61 comes with Cherry MX mechanical switches in blue, brown, clear, and green. There’s nothing unique about the switches WASD uses, and that’s just fine. German-made Cherry switches are considered the gold standard for standard mechanical keyboards. My review unit has MX blues, and they behave exactly as I would expect them to — consistently clicky and tactile. You can get the switches that appeal most to you, and know they’ll be of fantastic quality.

Why it might be the keyboard for you

Moving from a full keyboard to a 60% is intimidating at first. What will you do without all those other keys? No arrows? Surely you jest. Give some thought to it, though. Compared to a full-sized board, it’s absolutely tiny — just the size of the alphas on a regular keyboard. A 60% board takes up much less space on your desk. It’s also portable if you want to take it with you on the road. With a smaller board, you can also place your mouse closer for improved speed and ergonomics.

In the same vein, a smaller keyboard like the Code 61 means you don’t have to move your hands as far to reach all the features. With the function layer, your fingers are never more than three keys away from a keystroke. That can be game-changing for improving your speed and lessening fatigue or carpal tunnel issues.

So, why would you get the Code 61 instead of a Poker 3? For one, you can save $20 to $30 on the Code, depending on the type of switches you want (compared to the standard backlit Poker). The most expensive one is under $140, which is a very good deal for a solid mechanical keyboard like this. WASD also handles all the warranty issues for this board. If you’re considering a 60% keyboard, you should take a serious look at the Code 61. If you need a primer, check out our intro to mechanical keyboards.